Ashes of Destiny and Desire: A Why Choose Paranormal Romance

Ashwing Ascension Adventures #1

by Candice Bundy, Piper Fox

I wasn’t ready to rise from the ashes.

One moment, I drifted peacefully through the afterlife; the next? Boom. I gasped, body aching as if I’d just finished the world’s worst workout. Someone struck the match, and here I was—flames and fury—to fix someone else’s mess.

The realms are torn by an ancient curse, their powers fading, rivalries growing. I—Adara Ashwing, Elemental Phoenix—was prophesied as the answer, but prophecies never mention the lives I’d lived or people I’d disappointed. I’ve watched civilizations rise and empires crumble, and here I am again, right in the middle. At least I think so? The past is all a little muddy.

This time, I refuse to be just another footnote in a history book.

When I emerged, smoldering, five rival representatives waited, desperation gleaming in their eyes. They believed I could break the curse chaining their lands and hoped I’d choose their realm. Taranis, Aeolus, Ryu, Desmond, Lucas—sworn enemies, bound by secrets as dark as the curse. They needed me, but I wasn’t here to play savior on anyone’s terms but my own.

They thought I’d slip into whatever role they planned. They were wrong. I’m no one’s prize, and I play only by my own rules. They’re Taranis and his haunted mage past; Aeolus, whose fae charm is all too easy to get lost in; Ryu with dragon fire that melts more than resolve; Desmond, as grounded as the earth he commands; Lucas, fierce with wolf loyalty. Together, they’re as dangerous as the curse itself. And yeah, I could use their help—but they’ll have to earn my trust first.

I might need them, but they need me more. As sparks fly and emotions run hotter than my flames, alliances will be tested, loyalties questioned, hearts caught in my flames. I can feel it already—what starts as an uneasy alliance is about to become something far more dangerous—and undeniably sizzling.

The curse could shatter every realm—but maybe that’s what’s needed. I have a unite these fractured realms and bond with these men who stir something primal within me, or let the world burn as I soar free. Either way, I’m leaving my mark—and taking what I want.

Ashes of Destiny and Desire is a darkly enchanting, action-packed romantic fantasy featuring an unstoppable heroine, a why choose romance full of scorching chemistry, and a prophecy that will ignite or doom a broken world. For fans of fiery passion, forbidden alliances, and a heroine who never backs down, dive into the flames of destiny.

Genres: Why Choose, Fae, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Romance

458 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

After lifetimes spent spinning data webs in information technology and crafting alchemy in a winery, Candice now pens tales filled with murder, magic, and romance in the paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction genres. She likes to throw fierce, clever heroines off cliffs and into the arms of heroes who stand at the ready to catch them.

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Email: candice@candicebundy.com

Reviews

[Kaitlin Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐
🌶️.5 (hoping it picks up in future books, but also digging the plot)

I really enjoyed this book overall. kept me engaged and I read it in a day.

Some of the descriptions and inner monologues are repetitive, and it felt a little tedious at times.

Though the description can get repetitive (just like me rn) there is a TON of it. I wish I didn't have aphantasia so I could actually picture the world the authors are building.

I really like how the h comes into her destiny quickly, and with confidence. She stands her ground against the guys and doesn't give in.

The guys themselves are unique enough to distinguish the 5 of them. I love all the protectiveness of our guardians.

I will absolutely be reading the next one, I can't wait to see what is revealed. I will sa I did NOT read the prequel...yet... and I feel like there's some key info for figuring some plot points out 👀

*I received an ARC copy of this book*

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adara Ashwing, an Elemental Phoenix, is pulled from the afterlife and thrust into a realm fractured by ancient curses and rivalries.

What she didn't expect to deal with was five powerful men—mage, fae, dragon, wolf, and earth elemental, who await her rebirth, each desperate for her to choose their realm.

But Adara isn’t here to play savior. She’s no one’s prize, and she’ll burn the world before she’s bound by prophecy.

This is a heroine-first, slow-burn why-choose fantasy with high emotional stakes and elemental magic. Adara is fierce, unapologetic, and she sets her own rules.

Her dynamic with each suitor is distinct—rife with tension, mistrust, and sizzling chemistry.

Ashes of Destiny and Desire is fierce, fiery, and full of heart—and the prophecy is just the beginning.

Tropes:
• Rebirth / second chance heroine
• Why choose / reverse harem
• Elemental magic
• Enemies to uneasy allies
• Found family (with claws)
• Prophecy twist
• Powerful FMC who refuses to be claimed
• Rivals-to-lovers (x5)

Trigger Warnings:
• Death and resurrection
• Emotional manipulation
• Power imbalance
• Violence and magical combat
• Past trauma and betrayal

Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Slow-burn with intense chemistry and emotional depth.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Thank you to the author Candice Bundy And @booksprout for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

- Fiery Magic and Complex Hearts: A Spellbinding Paranormal Romance”

Ashes of Destiny and Desire is a lush paranormal romance that plunges readers into a richly imagined world where magic, prophecy, and passion collide. At its center is Adara Ashwing, a fierce Elemental Phoenix who has been resurrected to a world on the brink of chaos. Her unique powers make her both a beacon of hope and a target, but it’s her complex relationships with five compelling men that truly drive the story forward.

The romance in this book is anything but simple. Adara finds herself entwined with Taranis, Aeolus, Ryu, Desmond, and Aiden—each with their own elemental strengths and distinct personalities. What makes the romance especially interesting is the “Why Choose” dynamic: instead of forcing Adara into an impossible choice, the story embraces polyamory with sensitivity and depth. Each man offers something different to Adara, whether it’s Taranis’s steady protectiveness, Aeolus’s playful charm, Ryu’s fierce loyalty, Desmond’s quiet intensity, or Aiden’s enigmatic presence.

The authors handle this complex romantic web with care, exploring how trust and jealousy ebb and flow as the relationships evolve. For instance, a pivotal moment comes when Adara shares a deeply intimate connection with Ryu, affirming their bond despite the tension it creates among the others. These moments don’t shy away from vulnerability, and they add emotional richness that anchors the fantastical elements in real human experience.

Beyond romance, the plot delivers intrigue and action, with the looming threat of an ancient curse that endangers all five realms. Adara’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she learns to wield her phoenix magic and embraces her role as a unifying force. The world-building is vivid, filled with elemental magic, mythical creatures, and political machinations that add layers to the story without overwhelming it.

If there’s one drawback, it’s that the story occasionally feels rushed—some plot threads and character backstories could have used more space to breathe. At times, juggling multiple romantic arcs and world-building details can feel a bit crowded, but overall, the narrative remains compelling and engaging.

Final thoughts: Ashes of Destiny and Desire is a fiery and heartfelt paranormal romance that balances steamy relationships with a strong heroine’s journey. It’s a rewarding read for those who enjoy polyamorous romance with rich fantasy lore and emotional depth. Fans looking for complex characters, sizzling chemistry, and a world alive with magic will find much to love here.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

The phoenix, Adara, is awakened by a group of 5 protectors/guardians this time. Her mate from the prologue, Evander, licks at her past-life memories. Taranis, Ryu, Aeolus, Desmond, and Lucas’—Adara’s Protectors/Guardians— dynamics struggle to find harmony and Adara begins to develop closer bonds to some than others, so far. ‘Ashes of Destiny and Desire’ is packed with action, drama, mystery, romance, magic, and spice. With that nail biting cliffhanger, I am definitely looking forward to book 2!

*** Recommended ***


MMC:
✨Taranis
✨Ryu
✨Aeolus
✨Desmond
✨Lucas
FMC:
✨Adara
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨cliffhanger, to be continued
Series:
✨ The Ashwing Ascension Adventures Book 1
Tropes:
👉paranormal fantasy romance
👉reverse harem romance
👉phoenix x vampire x bear x wolf x dragon x fae x mage
👉MFM
Triggers:
💥18+
💥Sex
💥violence, magical violence, gore
💥death
💥profanity
Burn Speed:
✨slow
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are new to me authors and I'm 100% here for it. I was given the opportunity to receive an ARC and I'm so glad I did!

Just go ahead and add to your TBR. 😁

I really enjoyed that the main lead is strong, stubborn and knows what she wants and isn't a helpless damsel immediately similar to other books I've read. I appreciated that the other characters where introduced separately versus 3-5 at once. It made it easier to understand each person better. The writing was slightly repetitive in the beginning but no biggie to me. Everything was described in great detail and flowed together well without feeling like it jumped around people or plots. It ends on a 100% nerve wracking cliffhanger! WHY?!?! 😩 I needed just a little more! 😂

I'm very eager for the next book in the series and this is definitely a must read!

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so upon completing, after screaming down the roof because well cliffhanger!! I need to know of these secret pathways and Ryu’s condition. This book was a definite slow burn for me. Took a while for me to get locked in, but was still pleased by the back story. The prequel to this was detailed world building for us to have background. (Hell we had more info then the Phoenix, but still foggy in putting it all together at times lol). Everyone has their own connection but deals with that all differently. Vying to fix the corruption that affecting their home first. Excited to learn more about the shadowy figure and the moment when Adara gets more of her memories back. Not much spice, but the implied spice is just as fitting for this book and the scenarios they were found in. Decent book, great plot building that brings you back for more even with the blasted cliffhanger!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Heyden · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC review**
4.5🌟

If you like a story that will leave you wanting more add this to your TBR!

Please read the novella first it definitely gives a back story.
The character building and world building is great in this book the descriptions of the world will make your imagination run wild. There is definitely a budding romance in this book with more than 1 character I do hope book #2 has more spice than this one though, for a RH book has very minimal spice🌶!

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashes of Destiny and Desire by Candice Bundy & Piper Fox is pure, unadulterated chaos in the most delightful way—and I mean that as the highest compliment. Adara Ashwing has risen once more from her proverbial ashes, and she is sharper, sassier, and considerably less inclined to play nice. This time around, the stakes are personal, perilous, and very, very entertaining.

With five brooding, undeniably irresistible guardians by her side—and, let’s be honest, one would probably stumble under such circumstances—Adara hurtles through a series of high-octane adventures, battling shadowy evils, teasing out secrets, and grappling with the ever-looming phoenix prophecy. Action is relentless, plots twist with delicious unpredictability, and just when you think you’ve caught your breath, the slow-burn romance and subtle spice remind you that there’s always more than one fire in the room.

Fans of the prequel will recognize threads of Adara’s past lives and the tantalizing hints of mysteries yet to unfold. Yet even newcomers will find themselves swept along, carried by a story that’s as clever as it is compelling. By the final page, you’re left both satisfied and impatient—eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Ashwing Ascension Adventures.

In short: fast-paced, fiercely fun, and brimming with sass, Ashes of Destiny and Desire is the kind of escapade that makes you laugh, swoon, and cheer—all in one breath.

[Megan Key-Holliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters all have so much sass! The male posturing is done in such a way that you can find it charming rather than offensive. Adara is phenomenal, and I liked getting to see her personality build. The cliffhanger is a tough one. I cannot wait to see what comes next!!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely stunning the complexity of the story and struggles each character is going through and the character growth is simply beautiful I absolutely can not wait to see what is next for these characters! Absolutely beautiful must read!

[R Himelgrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again Candice Bundy gives us a very readable "why choose"! I love the presentation of the Phoenix's semi-amnesia. I'd never thought of what might transfer across lives. Hint - if you don't know the origin of a character's name, look it up! They are lovely clues.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebirth to her Protectors

This first book opens up with a rebirth and five protectors for Adara. It was an interesting story that left me on the edge of my seat, especially after the cliffhanger at the end. I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This why choose reverse harem romance has lots of HEAT. All the SEXY characters are unique. Hard to put down. Now can't wait for the next part.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book written by this author and this one is no different. It's one of the best books I have read lately, without sounding similar to others. The characters are amazing and it's perfect to those who love paranormal and why choose.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #1 of The Ashwing Ascension Adventures Series, and I can't wait for book 2. This is my first time reading a book by Candice.

Adara is an elemental phoenix who is pulled from the afterlife by 5 men trying to fulfill a prophecy. She was happy in the afterlife and now she is going to show the men who are in charge. She does not want to be bound by prophecy. I think that Adara had a lot of growth throughout the book as well as her 5 guys that each have different abilities. Everyone starts getting along, and this is a very slow burn romance. THAT cliffhanger, though!!!!

This is a why choose romance that ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait for book 2.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense and spicy why choose romance. I like the strength of Adira the woman of prophecy who’s decided to play by her own rules. I like that while she’s given the choice of one man, one world to save she decides instead to save all and take on the challenge of multiple partners. It’s not an easy dynamic but it’s realistically portrayed and doesn’t shy away from showing bumps in the road. At times the world building is a bit much. There’s a lot to lay out and so it can seem overwhelming. Hopefully that is tuned down a bit in the next book. Overall an exciting beginning to a new series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Val Meade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashes of Destiny and Desire is a solid slow-burn (see what I did there?) spicy fantasy with a solid plot that left me anxious for the next installment, The characters are vivid and likable (even grumpy Ryu!). It’s a fast-paced read; good for a fun and titillating escape from reality, even though the plot could be read as analogous to certain situations happening today.

[Migla M · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH GOD, THIS BOOK, I couldn't stop reading once I started it!!!

I arc read this book (o happy about that) so fast, I didn't even expect that. I loved the worldbuilding, the magical system and the storyline. It's very interesting, shrouded in mystery and darkness, every step brings something out to the light whether it will be inner thoughts, emotions, new storylines or revealed secrets.

I'm so in love with Adara. She's so powerful, strong, independent, but still kind, not power hungry, good hearted, still thinks and does things so that others will have a better life, which is admirable. She feels lonely, is scarred and tired but still tries her best no matter what. That is the most beautiful thing about her - she stands up, dusts herself and goes on, like nothing else will defeat her.

Those other men (I looooove me some why choose) are so amazing. All have different characters, abilities and qualities, that they help bring out other good qualities in Adarna. They all compliment each other so so well. Even though they all started on a rocky ground, step by step they started to become a very good functioning team, knowing what is needed to be done and when, looking out not only for Adarna (though that is the mostly occurence), but for others as well. And their banter, OH, it's so delicious and witty and sexy and so good, I love it. And Adarna's sweet but spicy mouth is just perfect. I love how she expresses herself and stands up for something that she think is truly good and right. All of their dynamics and chemistry is so on point, very perfectly balanced.

I can't wait to read the next story about them!!!

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely fantastic book set in a complex new world where magic is real, but it is being corrupted by darkness. It will be up to Adara, and elemental phoenix and her group of self-appointed guardians to find the source of the corruption. Ther is plenty of magic, shifters, exciting action and some surprising twists in the plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. This is also a steamy reverse harem paranormal romance where the FMC has five love interests, a bear shifter named Desmond, Taranis a mage, Aeolus a very charming elf, Lucas is a wolf shifter, and finally there is Ryu a dragon shifter. Each of these male characters had their own purpose for being there when Adara “arose from the ashes”, and they will quickly realize that she won’t be used for their separate purposes. Of course, it will also become quickly obvious that their goals are actually the same and Adara may be the only one who can help them save their people and their world. These characters are all unique with complicated and diverse personalities and are so engaging they kept me engrossed in this book from the first page to the last. This book does end in a cliffhanger but that just means that I am already looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, from the world description to the character descriptions to the romance, just all of it!

I loved the FMC and how she took things in hand and all that she had been through, how it led to this timeline and making sure things didn't follow the same destructive path!

The MMCs were some of the best I've read, I loved the interactions and 'relationships' that developed during the story. I won't give anymore details so, as not to spoil things but, I cant wait until the next book comes out so, I can see what happens next!

I'd say in regards to the spice level, this is more of a slower burn then I've read in other romantasy why choose arcs but, I had no problem with that as it makes the wait for the 🔥🔥 even more enjoyable when it gets there!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the "Stolen Legacy" series written by these 2 wonderful authors I was eager to read this latest book that they have written together and it hasn't disappointed my expectations as I couldn't put it down and totally loved every part of it after getting hooked from the very start.
Action packed, a prophecy and an ancient curse, fiery passion and forbidden alliances and a very strong heroine called Adara, what's not to love.
Will Adara bond with the five men? a mage named Taranis, a Fae called Aeolus, a dragon named Ryu, a wolf called Aiden and Desmond who is as grounded as the earth he commands and can they break thhe curse together.
This is a definite must read story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️. I liked this book. It starts at the rebirth of Adara after her sacrifice from the prequel. We are introduced to new characters who all seem to have a connection to her. She’s struggling to remember her past lives and why things seem so familiar. I like her sass and determination.

I like this story and am excited to continue on with this series. I do wish more information on what is happening had come out and laid a stronger foundation to the plot. It could just be impatience on my part though.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun book to read. The main character, Adara, is a complex person, and it was enjoyable to see her emotional growth as the pages flew by. It was difficult to put the book down, as I wanted to see what was going to happen next. The world was engrossing, the characters multidimensional, and the story kept me guessing until the end. And speaking of the end, I want more! The book did not end on a true cliffhanger, but it did leave me yearning for the next book. Hopefully, we won't need to wait too long to find out what happens next. I am sure Candice won't let us down.

[Meranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ashes of destiny and Desire. I loved a good why choose once in a while and I was served! I was hooked on the very first pages and I loved the multiples POV.

The world is rich and mysterious, full of magic, dragons, fae, shiftwrs, and political intrigue. Adara is a strong and compelling heroine, surrounded by love interests who are all unique and fascinating. All five are so different but bring her so much . The story blends action, romance, and secrets in a gripping way. I enjoyed every moment and can’t wait for the next book!

[Kathy Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix rises again! Such a beautiful tale! A mystical world with complex characters, a dynamic storyline, passion, archaic rituals, along with emotional turmoil! So good! Highly recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Arabella Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is a little slow to get started on and you really need to pay attention to it. I tend to read when I am in bed, but not with this one. Bull in all I enjoyed the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Athena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Adara and her guys Taranis, Aeolus, Ryu, Desmond, Aiden were absolute perfection. Fast paced and I read the book in one day. Looking forward to the next one.